Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?​

Review

I picked up this audiobook because I was given the sequels to review, and it was only a couple dollars with the whispersync deal. I've read this series before, when they were first released on ebook, and I really enjoyed it. So I was excited to have a chance to get immersed in this world again with the audio version.

The first thing I noticed was the accents, and I was a little disappointed. Not that Elan O'Connor was bad, because besides this point I had no other issues with her. I just expected more German/Russian accents in a story that takes place in Russia about a Prussian princess than none at all. I've heard it said that the British accent is more professional, which is likely why it was used, and I think that's bullplop.

Just like the first time I read it, I had a hard time putting this book down. And I didn't have to, because it's an audiobook I downloaded on to my phone with the audible app so I could literally listen to it all day long. Which I did. And it was glorious.

The parts that annoyed me the first time didn't bother me as much this time. Perhaps because I already knew what to expect? Also, I cackled again at the end. Because it was fabulous and wonderful and I loved it so much.

Anyway, highly recommend this book. It's pretty awesome! And the audible is good too, if you don't mind your Russian Empresses talking in a posh British accent and whatnot.